Quantum technologies are advancing at a rapid rate, with quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure communication being the most mature. Current fibre-based systems are best suited for short-range (a few \(100km\) ) applications due to fibre attenuation restricting the maximum practical distance The development of quantum memories for quantum repeaters is a long-term solution to this short range but is far from maturity [1]}.. Free-space optical transmission is another option but limited sight lines and horizontal atmospheric density again restricts its range. Satellite-based QKD systems have been proposed for establishing inter-continental QKD links [2]}. Feasibility of different aspects of the concept have been demonstrated by Earth-based experiments such as the transmission of quantum entanglement over \(144km\)  [3]}, performing QKD from an aircraft to ground [4]}, ground to air [5]}, receiving single photons from retroreflectors in orbit [6]}, [7]}, [8]} and other moving platforms [9]}, [10]}. Various groups around the world are working towards space-based demonstrations of quantum communication [11]}, [12]}, [13]}, [14]}, [15]} but most have not been successfully launched. Only recently, the \(600kg\)  Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) Satellite was launched on 17 August 2016, at 17:40 UTC by the China National Space Agency [16]}, [17]}.
